Art of Gears
Fansided

How Mr Bean’s Mini Cooper became an icon on TV

By Zain Ullah

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: British comedy icon Mr. Bean heads to Buckingham Palace to celebrate 25 years, the release of Mr. Bean 25th Anniversary DVD Boxset, and new animated episodes on Boomerang at The Mall on September 4, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Universal Pictures Home Entertainment)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: British comedy icon Mr. Bean heads to Buckingham Palace to celebrate 25 years, the release of Mr. Bean 25th Anniversary DVD Boxset, and new animated episodes on Boomerang at The Mall on September 4, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Universal Pictures Home Entertainment) /
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Everyone loved to watch Mr Bean, one of the most entertaining programmes of the century if not decade. The character played Rowan Atkinson is probably the best show there was to air on National and International TV. One item owned by Mr Bean which he adored was his teddy bear whom he named ‘Teddy’, but it is safe to say Bean also really enjoyed driving around in his classic green Mini Cooper 1979 model.

The first Mini Cooper was designed and created in England, hence making the Mini an all-British car with roots to Surrey. Mini Coopers were also used in the film ‘The Italian Job‘ which first brought the car on to the silver screen and into TV industry, but the car gained worldwide recognition after being used in the Mr Bean series

The car used in the filming that we all know and remember is driven by the hapless Mr Bean. It is a 1979 Leyland British Mini 1000, finished in a bespoke citron green colour with a highly recognisable matte black bonnet. Those that have either watched the Mr Bean series or the cartoon programme know the Mini.

The Mini was not specially built or painted for the series which meant Rowan Atkinson wanted to find a car himself, something unique that would stand out to the audience or even be remembered decades later. The car shot to fame after becoming somewhat of a character in the programme.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 04: Rowan Atkinson as Mr Bean celebrates 25 years at Buckingham Palace on September 4, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 04: Rowan Atkinson as Mr Bean celebrates 25 years at Buckingham Palace on September 4, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) /

The car has maximum speed of 82mph/131.97kmph which quite thing back in the late 70s. With an engine capacity of 998cc, the car was quick little hit with the public. The car was designed so a family of 4 people would be able sit and feel comfortable.  With a width of 1410 mm and length of 3054 mm, the car was ideal for small bags and luggage.

The car featured in the programme had two funny and unusual features about it, the first being the padlock and key that was used to lock the car instead of the regular central locking system. The second was the detachable steering wheel which was definitely something no car can do except a Formula racing car.

The iconic car is now featured and displayed at the BMW Classic Museum located in Munich, Germany still with its roof chair and is signed by Rowan Atkinson himself. This car is definitely a childhood memory for those that watched and enjoyed the series.

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